15 May Innovation in the Time of the Pandemic
One of the common perceptions about innovation is that it’s only reserved for scientists. Or some super-creative people and that it requires a lab (or a studio or an “innovation space”.) Nowadays this myth is being busted everywhere by everyone. The saying “Necessity is the mother of invention” is coming into life daily. Here are three examples:
1. Bridging the digital divide for local San Antonio students:
12% of households in the city do not own a computer and nearly a quarter do not have a broadband internet subscription, according to the 2018 U.S. Census. This means that many low-income families with school-aged children can’t easily access digital learning.
VIA Metropolitan Transit (VIA), the city of San Antonio, San Antonio Housing Authority (SAHA), San Antonio Independent School District (SAISD) and Northside Independent School District (NISD) are now providing mobile Wi-Fi service to students by using VIAtrans vans equipped with high-speed Wi-Fi networks.
2. Kitchen is closed but the pop-up store is open:
Mi Familia De Mi Tierra is one of the most iconic restaurants in San Antonio. It began when founder and family patriarch Pedro Cortez purchased a fledgling café in San Antonio’s Market Square for $150. Just like all the restaurants nowadays, MiTierra had to temporarily close its doors to customers. But it opened several pop-up shops which offer an array of items like toilet paper, fresh produce, sanitizing wipes and more. Talking about pivoting and changing your business model overnight!
3. Creative face masks:
I have a feeling that face masks are here to stay for some time. Many people around the world are putting their creativity to work, using whatever they have to make creative face masks. You can see and read about some of the most innovative ones in this CNN article (link in comments). My favorite one is when a mother from Beit Lahia, Gaz entertains her children with masks made of cabbage leaves
Note: These interesting creations may not all keep us safe from Covid-19. But they sure can give us a smile.
Thank you to the RedSquared team members who contributed their ideas to this post.
VIA’s multi-agency collaboration bridging digital dive for local students